The "Try" Factor

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:23

What is the difference between someone who is progressing in their faith and life and someone who is just getting by?  What do you think will be the difference between Jesus saying “well done, good and faithful servant,” and “not so much” when we get to heaven?  I believe it is the “try” factor. 

There is certainly a difference between “progression” and “regression” in the kingdom of God and in our lives.  If we aren’t moving forward, the world keeps turning, so by default we’ll be moving backward.  If we’re stuck in old mentalities or old ways of thinking, it isn’t likely we’ll be able to fulfill God’s calling on our lives.  Many times fear and unforgiveness can limit us from fulfilling our purpose.  Regret is living in unforgiveness toward ourselves, which can hinder us much more than any outside person or circumstance. 

God doesn’t expect us to be right all the time or to be perfect – so what’s the defining mark?  Our ending “grade” in the kingdom doesn’t necessarily amount to how many souls we got saved or our attendance record at church.  It has to do with being open to God’s leading and “doing the good works your Father prepared in advance for you to do.” (Eph 2:10) The defining factor is trying, not giving up, being hopeful in the face of hopelessness, remaining in faith when the circumstances are dim, and staying pure when the temptations are great.  When we at least “try” to do God's will with an intent to serve Him, there’s no way we can fail, no matter the outcome.

Are you stuck in any ruts?  Pray today and ask God what you can “try” today.  Maybe it’s picking up the Bible again.  Maybe it’s having a more active prayer life.  Perhaps it’s trying something again a different way or trying something else entirely.  Make sure you don’t stay stagnant.  God is always moving – where is He in your life today?

Places of Influence

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ -Matthew 25:21

“Argh!  Church people suck!” said my fellow server one Sunday afternoon.

We all looked at him as he took the tract and the tip out of the check holder.

“Two dollars and a tract for a party of eight.  Do you really think I want to know more about your religion if you don’t even tip?”

I was saddened.  I said immediately, “Jake, (not his real name) I’m so sorry- not all Christians are like that.  In fact, a true Christian is quite the opposite.”

But it was no use.  There was no way I could battle the obvious as he walked away in frustration.  What made it worse was that my co-server was gay.  I’m sure their stares of disapproval only made things more disappointing.

There is no doubt that we have a brand problem in the Christian faith.  A brand is the perceived identity of something, whether it be a product or service, an organization or even a group of people.  It amazes me to think that this is where some of us are in the body of Christ today.  I’m sure the well-meaning folks at his table had the best of intentions – saving the soul is obviously more important than money – but from my friend’s perspective the $2 tip certainly didn’t help him think so.

We talk about being influential in culture so that Jesus’ life and light, his healing and his love for others can shine through us– but what about right here, right now?  Our worship director has said – “Do your best with what you’ve got in your hands now!”  Every encounter we have with others is “brand management.”  Are we who we say we are, especially when no one “important” is watching?  It’s not about being perfect or doing it for the sake of religion– it’s about the intention to really think about people and love them wherever we go, like Jesus did.  

In Matthew 23:11, it says, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”  How are you able to serve others today?  Only when we’re been faithful with our influence can God entrust us with more.